"Illegal Burning STOP, Even Small Sparks OUT"

Gokseong County Urges Residents to Refrain from Illegal Burning
Emphasizes the Importance of Wildfire Prevention Amid Dry Weather and Strong Winds

Gokseong County held a "Forest Fire Prevention Publicity Campaign" on the 28th at the Gokseong Train Village Traditional Market, with more than 20 participants including Deputy County Governor Jung Changmo, county office staff in charge, and members of the mechanized forest fire suppression team. Provided by Gokseong County

Gokseong County in Jeollanam-do (Governor: Cho Sangrae) conducted a wildfire prevention awareness campaign on the 28th at the Gokseong Train Village Traditional Market, with Deputy Governor Jeong Changmo, Forestry Division staff, and about 20 members of the mechanized wildfire suppression team participating.

This campaign was held in response to the increasing nationwide risk of wildfires due to dry weather and strong winds, and actively promoted the importance of wildfire prevention. The county especially urged residents to be vigilant and cautious, focusing on eradicating illegal burning practices.

Participants in the campaign provided wildfire prevention guidelines to market visitors and merchants, and distributed towels printed with wildfire prevention messages as part of their promotional activities. They emphasized the dangers of burning rice paddy ridges and household waste?one of the main causes of wildfires?and once again called for the eradication of illegal burning. To this end, they provided the following prevention guidelines: ▲ Prohibition of illegal burning of paddy ridges and household waste ▲ Refraining from bringing flammable materials and using fire in forest areas ▲ Promptly reporting any wildfire sightings.

Previously, on the 17th, the county held a meeting with relevant agencies to discuss measures for the prevention and response to forest disasters, checking the prevention and response system for wildfires and landslides. In the event of a wildfire, the county plans to expand monitoring and patrol activities in cooperation with volunteer fire brigades and community watch groups, and to strengthen its emergency response system. The county is also intensifying monitoring and enforcement activities for wildfire prevention in collaboration with related organizations, while continuously promoting awareness through village broadcasts and other means.

At the campaign, Deputy Governor Jeong Changmo stated, "A single spark can lead to a large-scale wildfire, so small actions like refraining from burning paddy ridges and not using fire in the mountains are the most important first steps in wildfire prevention," and urged, "We ask for the special attention and active cooperation of all county residents."